NOTE: This update wound up being a two parter because it turned out longer than I'd anticipated. I'm still working on part two, hopefully I'll have that up soon. Let me know what you think! Enjoy!

Chapter 13: Today We Celebrate

It was the fourth of July, Independence Day, the day commemorating the implementation of the Declaration of Independence. The White House was buzzing as staff ran around the halls preparing for the upcoming gala that would be taking place later that night. A stage was set up outside on the grounds for a popular band to perform, as well as a large firework display to close the ceremony. Inside, a long table covered with assorted deserts, entrées, and appetizers lined the dining hall. Numerous bars were stocked throughout the house and an elaborate punch fountain, made of ice and looking like a giant Saint's Angel, dispersed red juice laced with vodka. Though this was to be a typical Saint's party, it had a more extravagant feel to it as opposed to other parties they'd thrown. Several high profile celebrities were set attend, including an appearance by actor Josh Birk. This was something Shaundi tried to ignore as Josh still harbored a bit of a crush on her, never missing a chance to try and make a move. She'd invited Ethan to come and hoped Josh wouldn't ruin her time with him. She looked at her watch, the gala was close to starting and she'd yet to start getting ready. She was still busy going over instructions for her agents.

"Okay, you all know what to do," she said, looking everyone over. "Keep your distance from The President, but remain on high alert. I'll be doing the same."

"Yes, mam."

Her agents dispersed and went to their posts as she walked toward her room to change her clothes. Elevated voices echoed down the hall the closer she got until she saw The Boss come around a corner with Kinzie close behind him. Both of them looked frustrated with one another and The Boss put his hands on his temples as he turned to Kinzie.

"Kinzie, I don't want to hear this right now," said The Boss, aggravation overpowering his voice. "I have bigger things to worry about than to listen to one of your conspiracy theories."

"It's not theory, it's fucking fact," said Kinzie, matching his tone. "I can't believe you won't even listen to me, after all we've been through. When have you ever known me to be wrong?"

"You have to admit that this is a little hard to believe," said The Boss, resuming his path down the hallway. "I mean, we've seen some crazy shit, but this is pushing it."

"Oh, and I suppose zombies are more believable than aliens?" she asked, pulling him back by the tail of his jacket to keep him from walking away. "You were wrong about them, remember?"

The Boss sighed and turned to face her, "Okay, so what do you want me to do about it?"

"You're the president! Gather intelligence, rally the military, do something besides sit on your ass!"

"Is that all you think I do?" asked Boss, peering down at her.

"I know it is. I have cameras hidden all over the house," replied Kinzie.

"I could've sworn we got rid of those," said The Boss, looking off thought.

"Please, those were just decoys. Do you really think I'd bug your rooms and hide the equipment in plain sight? I thought you knew me better than that," she said, crossing her arms.

"Well, if I'm so lazy, why are you asking for my help? Why don't you just inform one of your friends at the FBI?"

"I've tried. Thanks to Miller, all my ideas have been discredited. They won't take me seriously. By the way, I wouldn't need to ask for your help if you'd given me the funding to build the planetary defense system like I wanted."

"Boss, I'm sorry to interrupt, but the gala starts in less than an hour," said Keith, walking up behind them. "You have to get ready."

The Boss nodded as Keith walked away. He sighed again before turning back to Kinzie, who was staring intently at him with her arms crossed over her chest. He returned her stare and stepped closer to her.

"Speaking of the gala, what's this I hear about Oleg asking you to go with him?"

"It's true. He asked me to go with him."

"And you agreed?"

"Well, it's not as if someone else was going to fucking ask me, and at least with him I can have a decent, intellectual conversation without his eyes glazing over halfway through."

"Intellectual conversation? Wait a minute, is that a smart ass way of saying I'm stupid?" asked The Boss, narrowing his eyes, making them tiny slits as he stared her down. She didn't answer, but continued to stand her ground, looking fiercely into his eyes.

"Are you going to do something about the information I gave you, or not?" she asked, after a moment.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention on account of my eyes glazing over," said The Boss, stepping back. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have somewhere I need to be. Perhaps you should spout your theories to someone more suitable...like Oleg. Have fun at the gala. "

Kinzie dropped her arms to her side in anger as he turned to leave and huffed, her pale cheeks turning red with anger.

"Fine, be that way, you jackass!" she yelled after him, before stomping off in the opposite direction. He let out an annoyed laugh and turned around.

"Oh, how original! You know, for someone so smart, you'd think you could come up with something new!"

Kinzie let out a frustrated scream as she walked down the hallway toward Shaundi. She didn't even look up as she passed, her eyes still filled with anger, and her fists clenched tightly at her side.

"Fucking stubborn asshole," she muttered under her breath, ranting quietly to herself. "Why does he care who I go with? It's not like we're fucking dating and why the fuck should that matter? Did he forget about the impending alien invasion? Oh, that's right, he doesn't care because he's a narcissistic bastard doesn't give a shit about anyone but himself."

Shaundi didn't catch the last part of Kinzie's rant, she was talking far too low. "Kinzie, what's going on?"

"Why the fuck is he in charge?" asked Kinzie, pointing behind her. "He never listens, and when you try to explain things in a way even a two year old can understand, he just stares at you with a dazed look in his eyes! God, sometimes I just want to squeeze his head and pop it!"

"What the hell is going on with you two?" asked Shaundi, in a sharp tone. "First, you have sneaky sexcapades around the house. Then, you avoid each other like the plaque. Now, every time you two are together it turns into an argument. What the fuck is going on?"

Kinzie sighed and looked down at the floor. Suddenly, all her anger seemed to disappear and she reverted to her quiet recluse mentality. She twiddled her fingers nervously and bit her bottom lip.

"Oh my God," said Shaundi, raising her brow. "You like him don't you?"

"Is it that obvious?"

"A little bit," Shaundi nodded.

"Shaundi, why did I let myself get into this situation? I'm smarter than this. I should've known better. What the fuck did I do?"

"Kinzie, relax. You made a mistake, shit happens."

"Now, he thinks I'm going to the gala with Oleg," said Kinzie, placing her head in her hands.

"Why does he think that?"

"Because I told him I was," said Kinzie with a sigh. "Oleg asked me and I turned him down. I said I wasn't going because large crowds still make me nervous."

"And he believed you?"

"No, but he understood. I just didn't want to hurt his feelings, he's been so nice to me, and..."

"And you were hoping The Boss would ask you."

Kinzie sighed again and crossed her arms.

"So is that what you two were arguing about?" Shaundi inquired. "He was mad that Oleg asked you to the gala?"

"That and..."

"What?"

"Nothing," said Kinzie, shaking her head. "I'll tell you about it later."

"Are you still going to the gala?"

"Fuck no. If he's going, I'm not."

Without another word, Kinzie turned around and stomped away, the anger from her argument with The Boss starting to return. Shaundi rolled her eyes and continued toward her bedroom. The gala was about to begin and she had to get ready.